‘A new life, a new beginning’: IAS officer's post on Olive Ridley turtles is viral

New Delhi,UPDATED: Mar 14, 2024 13:27 IST

Tamil Nadu has taken significant strides in protecting the vulnerable Olive Ridley turtles. IAS officer Supriya Sahu shared an inspiring update on the state's efforts, accompanied by a video that captures the journey of the newly hatched Olive Ridley turtles.

The video, shot by IFS officer Jagdish S Bakan, shows a worker gently releasing newly hatched Olive Ridley turtles into their natural habitat at Dhanushkodi, marking the beginning of their perilous journey into the vast ocean.

“A new life, a new beginning as thousands of tiny baby Olive Ridley turtles begin their incredible journey into this world at Dhanushkodi in Tamil Nadu. Conserving and protecting these gems on our planet is the strongest action we can take,” Sahu wrote in the caption.

Watch the video here:

This initiative is part of Tamil Nadu's broader commitment to the conservation of these marine creatures, which face numerous threats including climate change, pollution, and fishing gear entanglements. The state has established 45 hatcheries across nine coastal districts, a testament to its proactive approach towards creating a safer environment for these turtles. These hatcheries, designed to be climate-resilient, aim to provide a controlled environment that mimics natural nesting conditions, thereby increasing the chances of survival for the turtle eggs.

So far, the project has seen remarkable success, with over 2.80 lakh turtle eggs collected and approximately 11 thousand baby turtles safely released into the sea. This achievement is the result of the tireless efforts of more than 100 forest staff and thousands of volunteers who work round the clock to ensure the well-being of these precious marine lives.